Online Art Exhibit Highlights Christ’s Appearance in the Western Hemisphere

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The Church History Museum's fifth online exhibit focuses on three parts of Christ’s return.

“I would encourage members of the Church who view this exhibit to search for other ways that they can follow the example of Christ from the Book of Mormon to courageously follow His teachings.” —Alan Johnson, Church History Museum director

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The Church History Museum recently launched its fifth online exhibit in 2016 titled “Behold My Beloved Son: The Savior in the Americas. The artwork portrays the mercy and majesty of Christ’s appearance to His people in the Western Hemisphere.

“These images truly convey the message that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and of His role as Savior and Redeemer,” said Alan Johnson, Church History Museum director. “We hope that all who view these wonderful artworks will feel a desire to study His life and teachings and to come closer to Him.”

One of the main reasons for an online exhibit is the distinct advantage of reach. “The vast majority of members of the Church live too far away from the museum to visit often, if ever,” said Riley Lewis, Church Museum educator. “Publishing these exhibits online means every Church member with internet access can enjoy them, whether they live in Fillmore, Utah, or the Philippines. Additionally, it facilitates their use in Sunday School lessons, family home evening activities, and missionary efforts.”

The new online exhibit focuses on three parts of Christ’s return. Brother Johnson said, “The first part of the exhibit depicts artwork featuring the moment of His arrival. The majesty of the Savior is reflected in the faces of His people as they see Him for the first time. The second set of artworks show the ministering Christ as He visits and expresses love one by one to the multitudes that have come to see Him. The third part of the exhibit shows the Lord’s invitation for all the little children to come and join Him.”

Christ and the Nephite People by Frederick Ted Henniger.

Christ Blessed the Nephite Children by Frederick Ted Henniger.

The idea for the Savior in the Americas exhibit stems from The Life of Christ online art exhibit series that went live in 2015. For most of 2015, the Church History Museum was closed to the public for extensive renovations. Stacie Lusk, Church History Museum educator, said, “The Life of Christ exhibit series was meant to help museum patrons stay connected with the museum during the closure and to correspond with the 2015 Sunday School curriculum, which focused on the New Testament.”

The previous four Book of Mormon exhibits in 2016 focused on conversion, the tree of life, Lehi’s journey in the wilderness, and the bravery of men and women who trusted in the Lord. An interesting thing about the current exhibit is that this one focuses on the Savior Himself and His visit to the people of ancient America.

“I would encourage members of the Church who view this exhibit to search for other ways that they can follow the example of Christ from the Book of Mormon to courageously follow His teachings,” said Brother Lewis. One more exhibit is planned to launch in October to finish up the series. It is titled From Plates to Pages: Writing and Reading the Book of Mormon.